In litigation, the party alleging a wrong carries the burden of production. Without a prima facie script, a judge will grant a directed verdict or summary judgment against you before the jury even deliberates. The script ensures you don't forget a statutory element.
Let us first demystify the term. Prima facie is Latin for "at first sight" or "on its face." A Prima Facie Script, therefore, is the written articulation of evidence that, if taken as true, is sufficient to prove a particular legal proposition.
Crucially, a Prima Facie Script does not need to be irrefutable. It does not require the writer to disprove defenses or counter-arguments. Instead, it requires the writer to establish a presumption of fact. Once this script is accepted by the court, the burden of production shifts to the opposing party. You have laid your cards on the table; now the opponent must prove you are wrong.
Under each element, list the specific facts that satisfy that element. This is where the "script" comes alive. Use active voice, chronological order, and specific details (times, locations, quotes).
Logline: After a junior lawyer uncovers a prosecutor's ethical breach, she must decide whether exposing it will save an innocent client — or destroy her mentor and her own future.
Characters
Setting: City criminal courthouse — prosecutor’s office, defense table, courtroom.
Structure: Three acts, tight scenes, focused on the moral dilemma and courtroom reveal.
Scene 1 — Prosecutor’s Office (Morning)
Scene 2 — Defense Table / Jail Interview (Midday)
Scene 3 — Records Room / Police Files (Afternoon)
Scene 4 — Confrontation (Late afternoon, Elliot’s office)
Scene 5 — Pre-trial Hearing (Courtroom, next morning)
Scene 6 — Discovery Moment (Hall outside courtroom) prima facie script
Scene 7 — The Moral Turn (Courtroom)
Scene 8 — Private Corridor (After recess)
Scene 9 — The Reveal (Courtroom, resumed)
Scene 10 — Aftermath (Outside courthouse)
Optional Epilogue (brief)
Sample Key Scene — Cross-Examination (Condensed)
INT. COURTROOM — DAY
MAYA You filed a charging memo that references an Officer Miguel Ruiz as corroborating the timeline, correct?
ELLIOT Yes.
MAYA Did you have Officer Ruiz’s written statement when you filed that memo?
ELLIOT (hesitates) No. I relied on my notes from an investigative briefing.
MAYA So you represented to this court that you had corroboration you did not possess?
ELLIOT I represented what I believed to be true. In litigation, the party alleging a wrong carries
MAYA Isn’t representing unverified corroboration the kind of misrepresentation that can nullify a conviction, Mr. Harrow?
ELLIOT (voice low) The public expects us to seek justice, Ms. Sullivan.
MAYA Justice requires truth.
(Judge studies them; the courtroom hums.)
Tone and Direction
Usage Notes
If you want, I can:
Prima Facie Script: A Useful Guide
A prima facie script is a Latin term that translates to "at first glance" or "on the face of it." In the context of law, business, and everyday life, a prima facie script refers to a set of assumptions or evidence that, at first glance, appear to be true or valid. In this text, we will explore the concept of prima facie scripts, their significance, and how to create a useful prima facie script.
What is a Prima Facie Script?
A prima facie script is an initial assessment or evaluation of a situation, based on readily available information. It is a preliminary analysis that helps determine whether further investigation or action is required. In law, a prima facie case is one that appears to be valid or true, based on the evidence presented. In business, a prima facie script may be used to evaluate the viability of an investment or a potential partnership.
Significance of Prima Facie Scripts
Prima facie scripts are essential in various fields because they: Scene 1 — Prosecutor’s Office (Morning)
Creating a Useful Prima Facie Script
To create a useful prima facie script, follow these steps:
Example of a Prima Facie Script
Suppose you are evaluating a potential business partnership. Your prima facie script might include:
However, upon closer inspection, you may discover:
In this example, your prima facie script would need to be refined to reflect these new findings.
Conclusion
A prima facie script is a useful tool for rapid evaluation and decision-making. By understanding the concept of prima facie scripts and following the steps outlined above, you can create a useful prima facie script that helps you make informed decisions. Remember to refine your script as new information becomes available to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
By applying the principles outlined in this text, you can develop a useful prima facie script that supports informed decision-making in various aspects of your life.
The Prima Facie script, written by Australian-British playwright and former human rights lawyer Suzie Miller, is an award-winning one-woman play that critiques the legal system's failure to handle sexual assault cases effectively. Plot Overview
The play follows Tessa, a brilliant and ambitious criminal defense barrister who has risen from a working-class background to the top of her profession.
List each legal element of the claim as a separate heading. For example, for Negligence:
You must explicitly state that if the fact-finder believes these facts, the legal conclusion follows. Example: "If the jury believes that the defendant ran the red light (Fact) and struck the plaintiff (Causation), then prima facie, the defendant breached the standard of care."
"The State’s prima facie script for theft requires proof that the defendant knowingly took property belonging to another, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. The preliminary hearing will establish these four facts."